Wicklow volunteers pass night assessments to join Shannon lifeboat crew

Two Wicklow RNLI volunteers successfully completed tiered crew competency assessments during night-time training on 14 January 2026, proving skills in real conditions and bolstering the station’s operational depth. Adelaide Kane passed her Tier 2 assessment and is now a full crewmember on the station’s Shannon Class lifeboat. Kelly Byrne passed Tier 1 and will progress toward Tier 2.

The assessment began with a theory exam before the crew moved straight into practical exercises under darkness, heavy rain and strong winds. Assessors watched candidates perform anchoring and towing evolutions, run radar and navigation checks, and execute man-overboard recovery scenarios. Those elements reflect the core competencies RNLI stations require for safe, effective night operations and multi-crew coordination.

Wicklow Coxswain Ciaran Doyle praised their performance in the challenging conditions, noting the value of testing skills where they matter most. Passing Tier 2 puts Kane on the roster for full operational duties aboard the Shannon Class lifeboat, which demands fast, disciplined handling and familiarity with launch, recovery and on-scene procedures in rough weather. Byrne’s Tier 1 pass confirms solid foundational knowledge and practical handling while she accumulates the sea hours and supervised exercises needed to attempt Tier 2.

For do-it-yourself sailors and volunteer crew developers, the exercise is a useful blueprint. The combination of a written theory check followed by live drills ensures technical knowledge matches practical ability and underlines why night and poor-weather training are essential. Radar competence, disciplined anchoring under strain, safe towing technique and seamless man-over-board procedure are transferable skills for anyone who rigs, maintains or crews small rescue or workboats.

Local clubs and independent skippers can use this example to shape winter training programs: run theory sessions before on-water practice, schedule drills in varying visibility and practice towing and retrieval routines with experienced crew. Emphasize safety checks and communications so that crew roles are clear when conditions deteriorate.

This development strengthens Wicklow RNLI’s night capability and offers a reminder that tiered, assessed progression produces reliable crew ready for high-pressure launches. Expect Kane to be fully integrated into station operations and Byrne to return for Tier 2 trials as she builds experience, while local sailors take practical lessons back to their own decks and training plans.